Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation

Dear Members:
Thanks to all of you who helped make our annual Jazz Under the Stars a huge success again this year. And special thanks to our event sponsors: The Callahan Family Foundation and Arnold and Ruth Siursen. Our Gold Sponsors: Sylvia Hollister, Vince and Maria Pelliccia, Henry and Barbara Price, Anne Van Cott. Silver Sponsors: Matteo and Grace Burra, Rita Collins, Rev. Chris and Paula Gray, Dave and Tina Slaman, Donna and Babs Healy. Bronze Sponsors: Craig Costanzo, Cherie Major, William and Deb Masser, Patricia Sauter, Mary Ellen Sheets, Martha Wood. Supporters: Mark and Susan Hyland and Bob and Vicki Kupec. Special thanks to Bob and Beth Piel for soliciting the wine for the successful “wine grab!” And thanks to all our Yacht Club members who came out to support such a great cause.

Once again, the Venice High School jazz ensemble wowed us with their talent!

In the spotlight this month is another one of the groups our Charitable Foundation supports, "Children First":
I have been on the Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation Committee for the past several years. It has been my honor to serve as the Ambassador to Children First, Inc. We have given them several $5,000 grants over the years; they serve some of the neediest in our community with early childhood education. I have enjoyed knowing Philip Tavill, CEO, and Jessica Rogers, VP of Philanthropy. I have modeled in their fashion show fundraisers, and been invited to their galas. Their mission is “strengthening children and families by improving the quality of their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being." Children First holds the distinction of being a four time designated Head Start "program of excellence,” and is ranked in the top 1% out of over 1800 head Head Starts nationally! Nearly 89% of the families they serve live at or below the federal poverty level, which for a family of four is $27,750. Every child who attends Children First receives a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack, each day to ensure that they are healthy enough to learn. They also provide vision, hearing, and dental screenings. On-site services also include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. Parents receive family strengthening services as well, while their children are enrolled here. Every family has a Family Advocate to help them set and meet financial, occupational, and educational goals. I am proud that we support and have a partnership with Children First!

In May, we presented a check to the Boys and Girls Club (see photo above). While things often seem slower in the summer months, need does not seem to ever take a vacation and the wonderful groups the VYCCF supports are always there helping!

Appreciatively,
Barbi Richardson

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updated: July 2023 Currents